Welcome to the 177th Edition of Carnival of the Green. Better late than never I say…

Normally I am as prompt as a square; however my toddler son and I took a long weekend to visit a longtime friend, her husband and her toddler son. My friends, the farmers behind Singing Frogs Farms are in the midst of growing their small organic farm and increasing their CSA membership, while also raising a toddler, building a barn, and participating in their local Transition Group.

Prior to my trip I naively thought that creating and living on an organic farm, especially one in the midst of wine country, would be pure romance. For good or for bad my visit opened my eyes to a few harsh realities including: farmers being sold nutrient dead soil and falling one to two months behind on planting; dry farming of vineyards that uses millions of gallons of water not to grow the plants, but to keep them from freezing in late frosts; unpredictable and changing frost patterns due to climate change; and water issues even in areas that appear to be moisture rich.

Needless to say, I have a new found and deep appreciation for the work of the farmer, especially the small farmer. Work that can be great for the soul, while being hard on the body and the pocket book and filled with sleepless nights. This carnival is dedicated to those small organic farmers who grow our food and work to make our planet a healthier, safer and sustainable place.

I’ve listed these articles in no particular order; however, rest assured this is a diverse and interesting collection that is well worth your time! Enjoy!

Julena presents Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Mascara Review posted at Organic Makeup and Skin Care. Follow the above link for a detailed and honest review of a new organic mascara on the market.

Vic presents an interesting bit about reducing our environmental impact across the ocean in Indonesia in his article Medan Green and Clean posted at Medan City Indonesia Guide.

Woman Tribune presents a thoughtful and well written bit on Easy Ways to Go Green posted at Woman Tribune. This is especially good to pass along to friends and family who find it hard to sift through all the news and figure out the best green steps to take!

Free organic news presents Clean Your Home Through GREEN Cleaning posted at Free organic news. There is no easier way to start making your home more environmentally friendly than by considering the substances that you use for cleaning and maintenance!

Matt DiChiara presents Given Pending Building Emission Regulation NAA Highlights Government Incentives for Apartment Owners posted at MyNewPlace Blog. Whew! That is a long title, but it is great news that their are incentives for management companies and apartment building owners to make energy saving retrofits!

The infamous (in a very green and very good way) Beth of Fake Plastic Fish presents Earth Day 2009 Less Plastic Pledge. In her comments, Beth reminds us that there is still time to take the Less Plastic Pledge for a chance to win a surprise less plastic gift.  What disposable plastic item(s) are you willing to forgo and replace with a reusable alternative?  Please let Beth know (follow the pledge link to comment).

Alvaro writes about his reflections and commentary based on the Goldman Environmental Prize Award ceremony in Improving the world, and one’s brain, at the same time posted at SharpBrains.

Are you more likely to give in to your child’s wailing if others are watching closely? Turns out we’re not so different from monkeys. Sally presents Tantrums in Baby Monkeys frustrates Mama at Veggie Revolution posted at Veggie Revolution. (This title left happily reminds me of Llama Llama Red Pajama!)

Madison presents Solar Energy Tax Credit and Solar Panels posted at My Dollar Plan.

Laurel writes about Bike to Work Day (May 15th in many areas, June 24th if you are in CO like me) posted at Green Thinking Blog. If you’ve got a bike, hop on and join people all across the U.S. to cut down on air pollutants by biking instead of driving.

Lynn shares some tips she learned to reduce her fuel consumption by nearly 10 miles per gallon!  Presented at Learning from the Hypermiling Experts at Organic Mania.

Cory presents Overview Of Yoga: Basics Of Yoga posted at Eat Healthy, Live Healthy.

And last, but not least, Jessica writes about the excellent eco-factor of having a Yard Sale posted at Sustainable Halo.

Links to the previous and future carnivals:

April 20th - Mother Nature Network
May 6th - Go Green Travel Green

And if you would like to know more about Carnival of the Green or particpate in future carnivals please follow this link to TreeHugger.